Political leaders, Regional Members of the Senedd, Members of Parliament and key stakeholders came together at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, on Friday 25 September for a regional showcase event hosted by the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC), setting out a shared agenda for growth, investment and coordinated regional delivery.
The SWWCJC brings together the four local authorities of Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea, along with the Pembrokeshire Coast and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authorities, to coordinate strategic action on issues that cross boundaries and require a regional approach. Through this partnership, the Committee is helping to translate shared regional ambition into delivery across economic development, energy, transport and strategic planning.
South West Wales is a region of scale, capability and significant opportunity. The event highlighted how partners are working collectively to unlock investment, support high-quality jobs, accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and build stronger, more connected communities across the region. Keynote presentations explored strategic priorities and identified areas where continued public and private sector support will be critical to delivering long-term regional impact.
Delegates heard directly from regional leaders, including Cllr Linda Evans, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council and Chair of the Regional Transport Sub-Committee, and Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the SWWCJC.
Throughout the morning, attendees gained insight into the key regional programmes shaping South West Wales, with discussion focused on both the opportunities ahead and the practical challenges that must be addressed to deliver for communities, businesses and future generations.
Sessions explored the South West Wales Regional Economic Delivery Plan, which sets out a vision for a resilient and inclusive economy, supporting high-quality employment, business growth, innovation and long-term prosperity across the region’s cities, towns, rural communities and coastal areas.
Delegates also heard about the South West Wales Regional Energy Strategy and the region’s ambition to develop a net-zero energy system, supporting cleaner growth, energy resilience, new skills and investment opportunities while transforming how energy is generated, used and managed across South West Wales.
The event showcased the South West Wales Regional Transport Plan, outlining how investment in sustainable, accessible and integrated transport can improve connectivity, support economic growth, widen access to employment and services, and help transition the region towards a low-carbon future.
The final session focused on the South West Wales Strategic Development Plan, which will provide a long-term framework for housing, employment, infrastructure and services, helping to support sustainable places while responding to climate change and protecting the area’s unique natural and cultural assets.
The event aimed to strengthen understanding of the SWWCJC’s role and ensure politicians and stakeholders are equipped to champion the region’s priorities within both Welsh and UK Government. It also provided a platform for partners to strengthen relationships, identify collaborative opportunities and make the case for continued investment and policy support to help South West Wales deliver nationally significant outcomes.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Chair of the SWWCJC and Leader of Swansea Council, said:
“South West Wales has the assets, partnerships and ambition to deliver nationally significant growth. By working together across local authority boundaries, we are strengthening the region’s voice, attracting investment, supporting our communities and planning for a more sustainable future. Our message is clear: South West Wales is ready to deliver, and continued collaboration with Government, partners and investors will be essential to turning our shared ambitions into lasting impact.”
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, said:
“The Southwest Wales CJC is increasingly demonstrating how regional collaboration can support more coordinated planning, stronger partnerships and greater strategic alignment between local, regional and national priorities – such as our ambition to drive productivity and unleash the full potential of the Welsh economy.
“The showcase highlights the region’s growing capacity to develop and deliver a clear regional vision and an identified pipeline of opportunities across economic development, transport, strategic planning and investment.”
